so many posts about tough instructors!

Brickman · Jul 16, 2004

Unfortunately far to many nursing students find themselves with an instructor that can only be described as psycho. I have been around enough to know that what some of my classmates were subjected to was way out of line. Harrassment and intimidation are never considered valid teaching methods. :angryfire

Energizer Bunny · Jul 17, 2004

OP...i think you are right in some instances, but man, you should meet my college comp. instructor. He really IS psycho! Not that I think he doesn't like me and I actually appreciate the pushing he does, but his values and thoughts are out of this world!

luvbug9956 · Jul 17, 2004

i guess this is another one....ewww well...
i was scanning through posts today (MAN! is this site addictive!!) and i just happened to notice how there are so many posts about tough instructors and how some people have not been "liked" by them, etc.
so i got to thinking....and it's just an observation...not to be made much of...
that the toughest college professors (even elementary school teachers) i've had were just trying to create tougher students. not everyone out in the world is gonna give you cake walk. there will be tough pts, tough DON's, tough coworkers ANYWHERE!
not like i'm hoping to get instructors that are more brawn than brain, but perhaps we could all use an instructor here or there to keep us motivated? to test our limits?
if you know you're going to get reemed out if you're not prepared for something, then sure as heck you're gonna study your tail off! thus being more prepared for our first jobs, right?
just a thought. i do understand that there are extenuating circumstances here and there, for the record...
what do you all think?!
:)

I had the toughest medsurg instructor at my school. And all of her students know how to do WAY more than the others. Instructors who are lax and easy should be steered away from. This is the time to learn! And yes, requiring a care plan for each clinical patient is a terrible task, however, you learn from this.

suzy253, RN · Jul 18, 2004

I had one such 'tougher' instructor in my freshman year. I'll tell you--you will learn a lot from them. She intimidated several people but she commanded respect and got it. She is a truly great instructor--both in the classroom and on the clinical floors.

Dixiedi · Jul 18, 2004

i guess this is another one....ewww well...
i was scanning through posts today (MAN! is this site addictive!!) and i just happened to notice how there are so many posts about tough instructors and how some people have not been "liked" by them, etc.
so i got to thinking....and it's just an observation...not to be made much of...
that the toughest college professors (even elementary school teachers) i've had were just trying to create tougher students. not everyone out in the world is gonna give you cake walk. there will be tough pts, tough DON's, tough coworkers ANYWHERE!
not like i'm hoping to get instructors that are more brawn than brain, but perhaps we could all use an instructor here or there to keep us motivated? to test our limits?
if you know you're going to get reemed out if you're not prepared for something, then sure as heck you're gonna study your tail off! thus being more prepared for our first jobs, right?
just a thought. i do understand that there are extenuating circumstances here and there, for the record...
what do you all think?!
:)

I agree with you 100%, maybe more! The general population, referring to nursing students as well as others, are so used to everything being handed to them. "Here honey, you memorize this list and you will get a 100% on your test." or "It's wonderful that you took the test, you should be proud of yourself. We just won't mention your score, 50%. The important thing is you took it."

I get so sick of hearing it. These people expect everything to be covered in pink roses with a silver lining. Anyone expecting more of them or presenting a problem is just trying to "get them." They believe they shouldn't have to tolerate a pt who curses them or slaps at them. Granted, down right abusive behavior does happen and should not, but most of the despcriptions I've read here are those of older pts who are lashing out at the only person available. The nurse. These people are suffering not only the physical problems, it's a horribly emotional one too. These people are not really able to control themselves, they are so hurt, in so much pain - physical and mental, and then to hear the nurses whining about they shouldn't have to put up with that. AWWWWW, life aint no bed of roses and if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, you are not nursing material. Take that degree and go work for a pharmaceutical manufactuter. And if you didn't last long enough to get the degree/license go work in an office and put up with that back stabbing of peers.

rpbear · Jul 19, 2004

We had one instructor with a reputation to be a tough lady. She was, but she was also my favorite! She was not one that would belittle or yell at you (this is totaly unprofesional and uncalled for) but she expected much more out of you than any instructor and if you didn't know something and you asked her she NEVER told you the answer she just told you where to find the answer. She made us self learners and great nurses!

There is a huge difference between the tough instructors and the crazy ones that are on a power trip (had one of thouse too, all she tought me was to stay out of her way!) You will learn a lot of lessons in school and all will help you as a nurse. Take each opportunity as a learning experience!

RedSox33RN · Jul 19, 2004

Tough instructors I don't mind. My English comp prof last semester was tough, but a gem (sorry Kim!! LOL). She saw great writing within me, and if she wasn't so hard on me (and she admitted she was at the end, and hadn't been that hard on a student in years), I wouldn't have had 3 very great papers that I did be published in local and national publications. Some nights I was in tears trying to rework stuff to suit her, and cursed her in my mind many, many times. But it all paid off when I saw my overall grade of 97.

I do disagree with those that criticize and ridicule with the intention of just embarrassing a student - and I've seen it done. It serves no purpose, and is not a motivator. I also agree that physical violence and verbal abuse have no place in ANY classroom.

Do I look forward to hard instructors? No, but I don't cringe when I see them either. I challenge myself, as they challenge me.